of course im gonna say the s2k but your not gonna have an unbiased opinion on an s2k site anyways. ive driven the z and it just felt too heavy and sluggish although stock for the stock the z is supposedly faster.

 

I've test driven both before I got my S2000. IMHO the 350z feels a little faster in a straight line mainly because of the torque, but that's the only plus for the Z. The S2000 on the other hand looks better, interior feels better, corners a lot better, and it just has a better "feel" to me when i drive it. Not to mention that when you first redline it you are going to be amazed. My suggestion is to just test drive them both and then see which one "feels" better to you. I was in a similar situation as you. Just take a look at my post. I think that you can't really go wrong with either car though.

 

I got my S2k about 2 months ago and I was cross shopping it with the 350z as well as the RX8; the Z was the first car I drove.

My first impression upon getting in the thing was that the interior seemed a bit more... I don't know if gimmicky is what comes to mind because there's nothing actually "gimmicky" about it but... maybe tacky is the better word. Whereas the S2k is slick, clean, and all business. Upon starting it up and driving it... I felt like it was more akin to the Lexuses that I used to sell: I felt like the road was insulated, or at least translated for me, by the car. It was also *way* heavier on its feet than I felt like it would be or should have been... the handling was a big let down. It's not a BAD car by a long shot, but it just isn't what I was looking for at all.

In terms of practicality both the S2k and the Z are pretty close: two seats, small trunks... the 350Z felt a bit roomier for my 6'2 frame and the hatchback means there may be a bit more space ultimately but it's pretty tertiary... you're looking at a sports car I live in Oakland so I was a bit concerned about the soft top and theft, but it hasn't been an issue at all.

The styling on the S2k is precise and clean (particularly the ap1), a lot like the FD RX7... I feel like 10, 15, 20 years down the road it'll still look crisp and fresh.

 

I'm dating a guy that owns a turbo 350Z and he still asks to drive my S2000 whenever we take it anywhere......hmmmmm......

I know that I definitely prefer my S to his Z. You can't beat the feel of our car's gearbox. I just can't seem to get his Z to shift as quickly or as smoothly as I'm used to.

 

S > Z

Its more fun to drive and I hate the Z interior.

 

The Z is a very comfortable car and is very powerful. However the S is a lot more fun with the top down. I know the Z also comes convertible but I think that kills the look of the Z. I've heard that issue about the Z using lots of rubber in the rear tires though. Probably has to do with the added weight. I have also heard the Z goes through brakes fairly quickly too. I think 15k-20k miles was the typical amount of time it took the car to go through a set of brakes. Don't quote me on that though... I definitely like the S much better and at one point I also considered the Z. They're similar price ranges but I was far more inclined for the S2000. I don't know why but it's so much sweeter to me.

 

I'm sure you've posted the same thread in the Z forums... Can you post their responses? I've got to see this....

 

drove the z last week, and it feels fast cause of the torque and great engine. however, everything else about the car blows; design, interior, driveability, handling.

get an S

 

S2K FTW

Plus, Nissan sucks.

 

I dunno, there are some pretty cool Nissans out there (R32/R33/R34, Stagea, S13/S14/S15, 240ZX, 300ZXTT, B13 Pulsar/Sentra SE-R, Y32 Cedric/Cima/Q45) but the 350Z fails to capture the greatness of those cars, IMO at least.

It's not a bad car, but it failed to excite me like any of the above cars have. I place a *lot* of emphasis on handling, and that was what I disliked about the Z the most... man, what a piggy, as far as RWD Japanese sports cars go at least (I'm sure that to someone who's used to Camaros it's like finding God). Also I'm much more a fan of high-revving, low-displacement engines, but that's personal preference.

The S2000 just has way more of everything that counts.